Sean Romeo Obituary, Death: Former Ohio State and Cincinnati Cyclones Goaltender Dies at 31 After Stroke Complications

The hockey community is mourning Sean Romeo, the former Ohio State University goaltender whose career combined athletic achievement, academic excellence and a lasting connection to the sport. Romeo died on October 24, 2026, at age 31, after suffering complications from a stroke earlier in the month, according to the ECHL.

Romeo played for Ohio State from 2016 to 2019 after spending his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maine. During the 2017–18 season, he earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors and became the first Ohio State goaltender selected as a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award.

His performances helped the Buckeyes reach the NCAA semifinals for the first time since 1998. He also established a program record with a shutout streak of 204 minutes and 27 seconds in November 2018. Across his Ohio State career, Romeo recorded a 2.22 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.

Romeo’s accomplishments extended into the classroom. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2019 and received the NCAA Elite 90 Award for achieving the highest grade-point average among competitors at the 2018 Frozen Four. He was also a three-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

After college, Romeo continued his playing career in the ECHL, appearing for seven teams, including the Cincinnati Cyclones, Florida Everblades, Adirondack Thunder, Norfolk Admirals, Indy Fuel, South Carolina Stingrays and Kansas City Mavericks. His professional career spanned 30 games.

One of the most significant details shared after his death was Romeo’s decision to be an organ donor. The ECHL reported that his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys were donated, offering others the possibility of a second chance at life.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for November 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Cary, North Carolina.

Romeo’s passing at such a young age is a loss for his family, friends, former teammates and the hockey community. His achievements in competition and academics, along with his final act of generosity, form an enduring part of his legacy.